A new rule proposed by EPA would impose fees on chemical manufacturers and importers to support development of risk evaluations for chemicals, collection and review of toxicity and exposure data, and review of confidential business information. These activities are estimated to cost EPA approximately $80.2 million annually from 2019 through 2021, according to the rule, which was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 26. The proposed fees are expected to generate about $20 million annually.
The proposed fees rule would fulfill one of the requirements of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act. Under the Lautenberg Act, EPA must create a sustainable source of funding to implement the act’s requirements.
The agency is also proposing a separate fee to defray the costs associated with conducting risk evaluations in response to requests from chemical manufacturers.